Wolves and West Ham are leading the chase for Mali and FC Porto international Moussa Marega this summer after his impressive season in front of goal, according to CM Jornal.
The Portuguese publication claim on their website that the 28-year-old hitman is being lined up for a move to England by both the Molineux and London Stadium outfits, who are reportedly ahead of any other rivals for his capture.
Marega, an 18-cap international, has scored 21 goals and chipped in with a further 11 assists across all competitions this season, totalling a contribution of 32 to his team’s efforts, and is said to have a £35million release clause in his deal.
Good move for Wolves/West Ham?
Starting with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, they could certainly do with some added firepower up front and Marega’s record is nothing to be scoffed at.
At the moment they only really have Raul Jimenez to call upon as a proven Premier League talent up front and while he deserves to be the starting striker right now, some more competition in the form of Marega would do him no harm.
If injury or suspension struck Jimenez, Nuno would be a little stuck for ideas and so signing a new hitman should be high on his priority list.
As for the Hammers, they might not desperately need someone but added quality would make Manuel Pellegrini’s life a lot easier, with the likes of Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll looking destined for the exit.
This is Futbol rating – Wolves: 8/10, West Ham: 8/10
Likely to happen?
This could all depend on more than just money.
At the end of the day, anyone can have the chance to sign him if they trigger his release clause so it could come down to game time and his contract terms.
Wolves can be big spenders but do they need to splash out when they have Jimenez, not to mention are they able to offer first team football?
West Ham could be in the driving seat if they see him as a regular among the starting XI.
This is Futbol rating – Wolves: 6/10, West Ham 8/10